"Wicked," the first of two parts of the movie adaptation of a beloved Broadway musical, generated $19.2 million in US and Canadian ticket sales from early screenings this week, distributor Universal Pictures said on Friday.

"Gladiator 2," a sequel to a best picture winner two decades ago, brought in $6.5 million, according to estimates from Paramount Pictures, setting up what is expected to be the biggest box office weekend since "Barbenheimer."